Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Tow Truck in Spanish
Grúa · noun · GROO-ah
The word 'grúa' is used for both a tow truck and a crane in Spanish. Context clarifies the meaning. When specificity is needed, 'grúa de remolque' or 'camión grúa' can be used to distinguish the vehicle from construction equipment.
Pronounced GROO-ah as two syllables. The 'u' carries a strong sound and the word is stressed on the first syllable. Note the accent mark on the 'u' is not written since it follows standard stress rules.
Tuve que llamar a la grúa porque el coche no arrancaba.
I had to call a tow truck because the car wouldn't start.
Tow Truck in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for tow truck, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| grúa | tow truck | GROO-ah | Default, widely understood |
| camión grúa | tow truck | formal/specific | |
| remolque | tow truck | some regions |
How Native Speakers Use Grúa
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Car breakdown
La grúa tardó una hora en llegar a la autopista.
The tow truck took an hour to arrive at the highway.
Describing a roadside assistance situation.
Illegal parking
Se llevaron mi coche con la grúa por estacionar en doble fila.
They towed my car for double parking.
When a car is towed due to a parking violation.
Calling for help
¿Puedes darme el número del servicio de grúa?
Can you give me the tow truck service number?
Requesting roadside assistance contact information.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Grúa
Confusing grúa meanings
Incorrect: La grúa está construyendo el edificio — necesito una para mi coche.
Correct: La grúa de construcción está en el edificio. Necesito una grúa de remolque para mi coche.
Grúa means both crane and tow truck; add clarifying words when both could apply.
Using remolcar as a noun
Incorrect: Llama al remolcar.
Correct: Llama a la grúa.
Remolcar is the verb 'to tow,' not the noun. The vehicle is called 'grúa' or 'camión grúa.'
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Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Grúa used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using grúa in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Tuve que llamar a la grúa porque el coche no arrancaba. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Tow Truck in Spanish
- Does grúa also mean crane?
- The word 'grúa' serves double duty in Spanish, referring to both the construction crane and the tow truck, with context typically making the intended meaning obvious.
- How do I say 'my car was towed'?
- The common expression is 'se llevaron mi coche con la grúa' or simply 'me remolcaron el coche,' both conveying that your vehicle was taken by a tow truck.
- What is the verb 'to tow' in Spanish?
- The verb is 'remolcar,' conjugated regularly in most tenses, as in 'remolcaron mi coche' (they towed my car) or 'van a remolcar tu auto' (they're going to tow your car).